Tuesday, April 24, 2012

New view in Saugatuck

Wicks Park in Saugatuck on Tuesday morning.

Downtown Saugatuck has a new view quickly taking shape.

City workers recently removed a berm and ring of large hedges on the Water Street side of Wicks Park. That meant an end to a small set of concrete steps and a look that’s been around for more than 30 years.

“It really opens up the park,” said City Manager Kirk Harrier at Monday’s city council meeting. “We’ve actually heard a lot of comments.”

Wicks Park under construction on Tuesday morning.

When the berm was constructed, the goal was to give people an elevated view of the gazebo and Kalamazoo River, Harrier said. The bushes grew and overtook the hill. People watching concerts in the gazebo were pushed to the side.

With the new work, though, people will be able to spread around the gazebo, Harrier said.

On Monday, the city OK’d the summer concert series Music in the Park, which starts June 20 and runs on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. through the season. The music is sponsored by the Saugatuck Douglas Area Business Association.